Maui, Hawaii

Before the age of airplane transportation and luxury cruises, a vacation to the otherwise unattainable Hawaiian Islands was the stuff of dreams—accessed by way of picture books, films, and wishful conversation. Now the world introduces itself to Hawaii again and again throughout the seasons, and no time is better than the present to visit its second largest island. Maui has been voted "Best Island" by Conde Nast Traveler for the last 19 years, and it consistently succeeds as the ultimate vacation destination.

Most stores are open daily 9:30am-9pm or later. Most bars and clubs close around 2am.

144,444

Maui Chamber of Commerce
270 Hookahi Street, Wailuku
+1 808 871 7711

www.gohawaii.com/maui

The Island

In Hawaiian mythology, Māui was a demigod, cultural hero, and ancient chief who bore a significance that led to the entire island being named for him. According to the legends, Māui lifted the Hawaiian Islands from the depths of the sea and lassoed the sun over the island’s highest peak, Haleakala. Such oral traditions and cultural norms were solidified in the 15th century under the rule of King Piilani, who was the first to unite the island under a singular “alii,” or royal family.

Centuries following Piilani’s reign, King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s last king, Kahekili, in 1790. The usurper engaged King Kahekili in a ferocious battle across the iconic Iao Valley, taking control of the island and making Lahaina the new capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Lahaina would serve as the epicenter of Hawaii’s government for the next five decades as the town would develop an immensely successful whaling industry. At the industry’s height, as many as 500 ships would anchor at Lahaina’s port between 1840 and 1865! Paralleling the whaling industry was Maui’s sugar industry. Beginning with the first sugar mill in 1828, the industry would draw a diverse array of plantation workers from China, Japan, Puerto Rico, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal, and other European nations. Such a melting pot would lend to the bold, cultural multiplicity of today’s Hawaii.

Experience Maui with its coasts, waterfalls, beaches, mountains, and rich heritage. The Valley Isle is a dream from which you never have to wake.

Do & See

Between exploring the natural beauty of Maui and playing mini-golf, you will find an abundance of activities to see and do on your visit. There are plenty of historical sites lining the island. And we've selected activities off the beaten tourist path.

Haleakala National Park

Maui Ocean Center

Iao Valley State Park

Fun Factory

Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum

Clear Kayaks Maui

Maui Historical Society

Hawaii Nature Center

Maui Spa and Retreat

Wailea Golf Club

Alii Kula Lavender

Banyan Tree

Dining

As a tourism hotspot, visitors to the island will find virtually every cuisine to satisfy their hunger for the evening. Be sure to try authentic Hawaiian before you leave.

Mama's Fish House Restaurant

Lahaina Grill

Cuatro Restaurant

Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli

Polli's Mexican Restaurant

Market Fresh Bistro

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Monkeypod

Hula Grill

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Pulehu, an Italian Grill

Sea House Restaurant

Cafes

Cafes in Maui span from coffeehouses to fine dining. Regardless of the time of day, a cafe always sounds appetizing.

Hawaiian Village Coffee

Cafe Des Amis

Stella Blues Cafe

Cafe Mambo

Cafe O’Lei at The Dunes

Cafe Cafe

Java Cafe

Kihei Caffe

Gerard's

Monsoon India

Bars & Nightlife

Take your pick of the exciting nightlife in Maui. Many of the most popular venues are lounges. Beachfront, open-air bars are common as well.

Hula Grill Kaanapali

Kahale's Beach Club

Merriman's Kapalua

Ambrosia Martini Lounge

Mulligans On the Blue

Three's Bar and Grill

Charley's Restaurant and Saloon

South Shore Tiki Lounge

Longhi's

Botero Bar at the Grand Wailea Resort

Alaloa Lounge

Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante

Shopping

Shopping in Maui is endless. There is far more to shopping here than souvenirs. You will not only find small, independent boutiques and galleries scattered around the island but also upscale resort shopping malls such as Wailea in South Maui and Whalers Village in Kaanapali. You will for sure find some treasures here on the island of Maui.

Hilo Hattie

The Shops at Wailea

Queen Ka'ahumanu Center

Whalers Village

Lahaina Cannery Mall

Collections

Maui Master Jewelers

Lululemon

Gecko Trading Co. Boutique

Alice in Hulaland

Cruise

Maui Pickers Paradise

Accommodations

Beach resorts are popular and memorable. Independent boutique hotels are peppered around the island as well.

Ka'anapali Beach Club

Ka'anapali Shores

Papakea Resort

Maui Bed and Breakfast

Banyan Bed and Breakfast

Peace of Maui Bed and Breakfast

Ku'au Inn Bed and Breakfast

Maui Ocean Breezes

An Upcountry Bed and Breakfast

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Paia Inn Hotel

The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono

Essential Information

Maui International Airport

While most flights into Kahului Airport originate from Honolulu International Airport, Maui International Airport remains Maui's primary airport. It services major airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, US Airways, Continental Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Airlines.

Car rental kiosks are located at the airport, including Avis, Hertz and Budget.

Buses and minibuses are operated by private companies and provide shuttle service to and from the airport to major hotels and resorts around the island. For a fee, the public transit system offers alternative transportation, and taxi services are also available.

Address: 1 Kahului Airport Road, Kahului

Website: www.kahului-airport.com

Public Transport

The Maui Public Bus Transit System operates 13 bus routes under Roberts Hawaii. Service in and between various Central, South, West, Haiku, Kula, and Upcountry Maui communities is provided. All routes are operated seven days a week, including all holidays. No transfers are given on any of the routes and all vehicles on the routes are ADA accessible.

Website: www.co.maui.hi.us

Post

US Post Office

Address: 138 South Puunene Avenue, Kahului

Phone: +1 808 871 2487

Taxi

The following cab companies serve the Maui area:

Kihei Taxi
+1 808 298 1877

Surf Taxi Maui
+1 808 870 9974

Aloha Maui Taxi
+1 808 661 5432

24 Hour Maui Taxi
+1 808 633 0257

Pharmacy

Makawao Town Pharmacy
1120 Makawao Avenue, Makawao
+1 808 573 1055

CVS Pharmacy
55 Kiopaa Place, Makawao
+1 808 573 9300

Time Zone

Maui is in the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard time zone, and all times are reflected in Hawaii-Aleutian Standard time.